sully

USAGE SUMMARY

"sully" is an English word that can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning "to make someone or something appear tarnished or dishonorable," and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: "The senator's televised gaffe sullied his public image."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Davies, now almost 60, grew up in Sully on the outskirts of Cardiff.

The Guardian - Arts

"I think it might be time to tell my tale," he says, "how a kid from Sully can go to London all alone, and end up getting the one job he always wanted, and then to work with all the people he admired, to help shape and mould them visually, to create the images the fans would see, and most importantly remember.

The Guardian - Arts

Are you willing to have this, this … thing sully your fine work?

The Guardian - Business

"Remember, Sully, when I promised to kill you last?

The Guardian - Film

The leaders in Beijing insist that politics must not be allowed to sully the Olympics.

The Economist

It should be pointed out that Sully learned to fly at the age of 16, flew F-4 Phantoms in the air force, and had 40 years and 20,000 hours of mostly hands-on experience when he performed his heroics on the Hudson.The problem today is that aircrew may log thousands of hours on the flight decks of modern airliners, but their actual hands-on flying experience may amount to mere minutes per flight.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

With the aid of such ministers as the Duke de Sully, he brought new prosperity to France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kerry Sully, CGX's president, is bullish but does not expect to drill before 2009.In this section The loonie takes wing Braced for contagion Fugitive returned Dreaming of oil Reprints Related items Guyana: Looking southJan 11th 2007If there is oil, some Guyanese fear that it will bring problems especially corruption as well as benefits.

The Economist

June 19 , 1783Horncastle, England November 5, 1872 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thomas Sully, (born June 19 , 1783 Horncastle, Lincolnshire, Eng. died Nov. 5, 1872, Philadelphia) one of the finest U.S. portrait painters of the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For instance, the portrait of "Colonel Thomas Handasyd Perkins" (1831 32; Boston Athenaeum), by Thomas Sully, the leading exponent of a new portraiture supposedly expressive of mood, has touches of Sir Thomas Lawrence in the delicately brushed surface, strong contrasts of light and dark, and exquisite elegance of pose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. (b. Dec. 9, 1909, New York, N.Y., U.S. d. May 7, 2000, New York), his son by his first wife, Anna Beth Sully, was a debonair leading man in the late 1930s and '40s who played roles similar to his father's.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sully" when you want to emphasize the act of tarnishing or damaging something's reputation, character, or purity. It's often used in contexts where something previously held in high regard is being negatively affected.

Common error

Avoid using "sully" when a weaker term like "affect" or "influence" would be more appropriate. "Sully" implies a significant and often lasting negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The verb "sully" primarily functions to describe the act of tarnishing or damaging something's reputation, purity, or character. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in conveying a sense of degradation or defilement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sully" is a verb that describes the act of tarnishing or damaging something's reputation or purity. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is commonly used in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. It conveys disapproval or concern over something negatively affected and maintains a neutral to formal register. When considering synonyms like "tarnish", "taint", or "besmirch", it's important to choose the word that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey. This analysis highlights the importance of using "sully" when a significant and lasting negative impact on reputation or character is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tarnish

This alternative emphasizes the loss of luster or shine, often applied to reputation or honor.

taint

This alternative implies a contamination or corruption that negatively affects something.

besmirch

This alternative suggests a more forceful and deliberate act of damaging someone's reputation.

defile

This alternative indicates a desecration or pollution, often of something sacred or pure.

stain

This alternative suggests leaving a mark or blemish, either physical or metaphorical, on something.

corrupt

This alternative indicates a process of decay and moral decline.

damage

This alternative is a general term for causing harm or impairment.

impair

This alternative suggests weakening or diminishing something's quality or effectiveness.

dishonor

This alternative directly points to the loss of honor or respect.

debase

This alternative means to reduce in quality or value; to degrade.

FAQs

How can I use "sully" in a sentence?

You can use "sully" to describe the act of damaging someone's reputation or the purity of something. For example, "The scandal threatened to "sully" the company's image."

What's a synonym for "sully"?

Synonyms for "sully" include "tarnish", "taint", "besmirch", and "defile". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sully" in formal writing?

Yes, "sully" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing reputation, ethics, or historical events. It conveys a serious and lasting negative impact.

What is the difference between "sully" and "damage"?

"Sully" specifically refers to damaging something's reputation or purity, while "damage" is a more general term for causing harm or impairment. For example, you might say a scandal "sullied" a politician's career, but a flood "damaged" property.